1. An objection against the utility of hiftory removed. 2. The falfe and true aims of thofe who ftudy it. 1. That there is in hiftory fufficient authenticity to render it ufeful, notwithstanding all objections to the contrary. 2. Of the method and due reftrictions to be observed in the study of it. 73 1. The great ufe of hiftory, properly fo called, as diftin- guished from the writings of mere annalifts and anti- quaries. 2. Greek and Roman hiftorians. idea of a complete history. 4. Further cautions to be observed in this study, and the regulation of it accord- ing to the different profeffions, and fituations of men: above all, the use to be made of it (1) by divines, Pag. STUDY of HISTORY. LETTER I. MY LORD, I HAVE Chantelou in Touraine, Nov. 6, 1735. HAVE Confidered formerly, with a good deal of attention, the subject on which you command me to communicate my thoughts to you: and I practifed in those days, as much as business and pleasure allowed me time to do, the rules that feemed to me neceffary to be observed in the study of history. They were very different from those which writers on the fame fubject have recommended, and which are commonly practifed. But I confess to your lordship, that this neither gave me then, nor has given me fince, any distrust of them. I do not affect fingularity. On the contrary, I think that a due deference is to be paid to received opinions, and that a due compliance with received cuftoms is to be held; though both the one and the other should be, what they often are, abfurd or ridiculous. But this fervitude is outward only, and abridges in no fort the liberty of private judgment. The obligations of submitting to it likewise, even, outwardly, A |